Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-03

TREASURY BUILDING, ETC.
The annual report OF W. A. Freret supervising
architect OF the Treasury, was made public to-day.
The report says that there are under the control
OF architects department more than two hundred
completed and occupied buildings to be cared for
from the annual appropriations for ~repairs and
preservation" "vaults, safes and locks" and re-
pairs 70 heating apparatus. and during the past
year work OF construction and repairs specially APP
proprated for has been prosecuted upon sixty
three buildings, Of which number four have been
completed, involving total expenditure OF
s. %, 3.3 81. The total expenditures during the
year for sites construction or new buildings and
S2,s4l, 1885; for repairs and preservation OF
competed buildings, S22g, or IA; Tor heating ap-
paratus and repairs 10 same, $135, 454s2; for
vaults, safes and locks $50 0os So and for photo
graphing plans for pubic buildings, $3,63s.3d
After q careful consideration OF the method that
has been pursued in the past In appropr1atlng
Eoney for the construction OF public buildings
Mr.. Freret Is convinced that a great saving OF
time and money would be secured IL the full
ated In one sum, so that the work OF construction
might be uninterruptedly pursued, and thus avoid
a suspension OF work by reason OF the exhaustion
be adopted the unfortunate delay experienced by
the department up TO this time In completing the
public buildings ready for occupancy would be
avoided and the large sums required Tor the rental
OF private buildings, on account OF this delay, be
saved 10 the Government
In this connection IL is stated that the estimates
for some OF the buildings now IN course OF erection
were prepared as lar back as 1852. The basis for
which were the rates prevailing at that time, but
by reason great advance IN the price OF labor
and material since that date, owing TO the pros
perouS condition OF the building trade contract :
cannot be secured, even after the most public ad-
thus rendering il Impossible TO complete the build,
ings as originally designed, and sometimes re-
curing the omission OF important pats OF the
work.
NEW QUARTERS
It is deemed very desirable the report says that
an appropriation should be made for once accom-
modations outside OF the Treasury building for the
architectural division OF the architects ONCE the
present quarters insuffcientIy ltghJed and too
delicate and important WORK under It's supervision
Should these accommodations be furnished the
rooms now occupied by that division could be util-
ment and meet the pressing demand for additional
accommodations In this respect
SANITARY IMPROVEMENT DEMANplD.
the report says the sanitary condition OF the
Treasury building demands the earnest attention
OF the department The report OF experts sub
mitted last year give evidence OF the unhealthy
and even dangerous condition OF the building. and
correctness OF the views therein expressed is cor
roborated by the many cases OF sickness which
have arisen In the last Few years among the en-
those employed In the basement and sub basement
noors, and by the Investigation OF the sanitary
an Investigation OF the condition OF drainage
the building. Their examinations show
that extensive alterations and improve
ments are demanded The small amount
Appropriated for the work 100000, OF which
SS57O had been expended before the present
architect took charge, has not permitted, the re-
port says. any extensive improvements TO be made,
but plans, embracing an entire new system OF
plumbing and drainage, are being prepared, and
will soon be submitted for the consideration and
approval OF the Secretary. The report states that
tle new vault for the storage OF silver dollars
being constructed In the north courtyard OF the
Treasury building will be completed and ready for
use within the next few weeks.